Giant Mums

Mammoth Daisies are big mums that will grow into 3 foot tall by 4 foot wide mounds. Bred by the University of Minnesota for adaptability, these profuse bloomers are winter hardy into USDA zone 3 and also perform well in southern gardens.

Best of all, the plants are self-cleaning and grow into an attractive shape without pruning.

Planting Mums

Where: Plant garden mums in full sun, Shasta Daisies in sun or part shade.

Soil: Well drained dry to moderately moist soil of average fertility.

Space small types a foot apart, large cultivars will need 18 inches of elbow room.

How to Take Care of Mums

Chrysanthemum dog, dish, and bone on display at a flower show.

Water: Mums are not tremendously thirsty plants, but neither are they xeric. Water newly planted Chrysanthemums regularly. Once the plants have set buds, back off and let nature take over. Water in ground plants deeply once a week during dry, mild weather. More often during hot, dry weather. Less during cool, dry weather. Not at all during dormancy.

Mulch plants year-round.

Food: For best bloom, fertilize fall mums every 10 days.

Pruning: Removing the spent blossoms is all the pruning most modern mums will ever need.

To prune Shasta Daisies, cut the flower stalks back to the basal leaves.

Propagation: Divide mature clumps after 3 inches of new growth has appeared in the spring. Dig the clump up and pull it apart with your fingers. Replant the most vigorous shoots, one to a pot or planting hole.